Dancing on Ice 2011 - Viva Las Vegas

By Jason Wright (Entertainment Expert)

LAS VEGAS, is undoubtedly the glamour capital of the world.  Famous for its bright lights, gambling and boxing title fights, the city relocated to the Dancing on Ice rink for a special-themed night.  More pressure was also heaped on the remaining ten celebrities as this week also saw the start of the ‘Ultimate Skills’ phase which started with having to perfect an unassisted step sequence.

Jennifer Metcalfe & Sylvain Longchambon

Skated to: If I Could Turn Back Time

It had certainly been a rollercoaster start to the competition for Jennifer with several close calls and injuries.  Sunday saw again that she was not really at her best yet but still very competitive.  A few more weeks’ progress and that confidence will be fully in place.

Scores: Jason 6.0 Robin 7.0 Emma 6.0                                     TOTAL: 19.0/30.0 (5th)

Jeff Brazier & Isabelle Gauthier

Skated to: It’s Not Unusual

If there had to be one big disappointment in the show so far, it had to be Jeff.  Falling way below expectations, he needed to really now show what he was capable of.  Finally, that all came together in the performance and Jeff knows that he now needs to stay at this standard at all times to stay in the running.

Scores: Jason 5.5 Robin 7.5 Emma 7.0                                     TOTAL: 20.0/30.0 (4th)

Laura Hamilton & Colin Ratushniak

Skated to: All Coming Back To Me Now

So far Laura has shown that she can take any setbacks and pressure very well and then turn it into a spectacular performance.  There not much of that to be shown tonight but still regardless it was certainly her best performance to date.

Scores: Jason: 8.5 Robin 8.0 Emma 7.5                                    TOTAL: 24.0/30.0 (2nd)

Denise Welch & Matt Evers

Skated to: Wonderful

Denise isn’t a quality skater but what is good about her is that she never throws in the towel; she does give it a good go.  To back that statement, this week was certainly her best week and it will definitely prove that she slowly but surely is making progress.

Scores: Jason 4.5 Robin 4.5 Emma 4.5                                     TOTAL: 13.5/30.0 (8th)

Comedy Dave & Frankie Poultney

Skated to: Release Me

Dave should also be given credit for trying moves without making a fuss.  Certainly, this was not a perfect performance which saw partner Frankie lose grip and fall over on the ice.  From there on, the rest of the skating went downhill.

Scores: Jason 3.0 Robin 4.0 Emma 4.0                                     TOTAL: 11.0/30.0 (9th)

Vanilla Ice & Katie Stainsby

Skated to: Blue Suede Shoes

Vanilla Ice perhaps got the best pick out of the songs this week, as he was a massive Elvis Presley fan.  To say it was totally perfect can’t be used, but he did the song justice and made massive improvements in what had been shown in the last few weeks.  His miming of the song did annoy Jason Gardiner though!

Scores: Jason 5.5 Robin 5.0 Emma 5.5                                     TOTAL: 16.0/30.0 (6th)

Johnson Beharry & Jodeyne Higgins

Skated to: Piano Man

The surprise package so far has without question been Johnson.  He has taken constructive criticism and improved on it each week.  This week was a little disappointing as he didn’t really have enough to give in his performance.  However, this was overshadowed by an extraordinary clash between ice judge Jason Gardiner and head coach Karen Barber.  See video below;

Scores: Jason 4.0 Robin 4.0 Emma 4.0                                     TOTAL: 12.0/30.0 (7th)

Sam Attwater & Brianne Delcourt

Skated to: I Get a Kick Out Of You

Vegas week even had frontrunner Sam baffled as to how to put on good show.  After doing the sensible thing of seeking expert advice away from the ice, he once again delivered to everyone’s expectations.  There is no doubt the battle to win the contest will soon be over at this rate.

Scores: Jason 8.5 Robin 8.5 Emma 8.5                                     TOTAL: 25.5/30.0 (1st)

Kerry Katona & Dan Whiston

Skated to: Woman in Love

Everyone can see that Kerry is having a real problem with learning to skate on her own.  However, this routine exposed this, but the fact that she isn’t trying to do it.  As an example, Denise is another celebrity who is struggling but unlike Kerry, she tries her best to cope.  This is certainly not what Kerry expected when she signed up.  Shocking!

Scores: Jason 3.0 Robin 3.5 Emma 3.5                                     TOTAL: 10.0/30.0 (10th)

Chloe Madeley & Michael Zenzini

Skated to: In the Mood

Chloe is another of the celebrities that puts in the effort and it pays off with huge dividends.  Yet again, she duly delivered when it mattered and will also take on anything that seems very risky to pull off.  She may not win but she will be around for many more weeks to come.

Scores: Jason 7.0 Robin 7.5 Emma 7.5                                     TOTAL: 22.0/30.0 (3rd)

The Result

After last week’s ‘Ice Pick’, elimination reverted to normal this week with the judges making the decision.  This week’s results proved that the public can make a huge difference in the final leaderboard.  For the first time in the show’s history, the celebrities that finished in the bottom four places in the judges scores were all saved and consigned Jennifer and Vanilla Ice into the bottom two.

Both celebrities didn’t want to leave this early and they proved it in their skate-off performances, giving the panel an extremely tough decision to make.  However, going completely against the form book, Vanilla Ice won through with the backing of all three of them.

Jennifer was shattered and left in tears over her sudden demise as Phillip Schofield, Christopher Dean and even head judge Robin Cousins lamented the public for their decision, not just to force the Hollyoaks actress out but for putting Vanilla Ice in the skate-off, as he was considered as an outside contender as well.  This is another talent show that has sprung a shock result.

The contest goes on and next week, the nine remaining stars will continue the progress in mastering the unique skills along with another themed performance, as they will be giving performances to famous West End musicals.

Dancing on Ice 2011 - Second qualifying heat

BY JASON WRIGHT (Entertainment Expert)

Last week, the first six celebrities booked their places in this year’s competition and this week it was the turn of the other eight celebrities to show what they could do to get into the proper stages of Dancing on Ice.

Here is a summary of the eight stars who took part on Sunday.

Craig McLachlan & Maria Filippov

Skated to: Sympathy for the Devil

UNSUCCESSFUL: Craig continued Australia's losing trend

With successful stints in Neighbours and Home and Away in the 1980’s, Craig came to Britain hoping to prove that Aussies can win a sport!  His routine was great to watch, though it was lacking the rather required pace for the accompanying music. 

Selected comment: “The costume covered a multitude of sins for me tonight mate.  From the waist down you move quite gingerly and it looks like you are wearing a soiled nappy!” (Jason Gardiner)

Scores: Jason 3, Robin 3, Emma 3                                              TOTAL: 9/30 (8th)

Jennifer Metcalfe & Sylvain Longchambon

Two years ago, Hollyoaks stunner Jennifer narrowly missed out on the final line-up.  Now she was finally living her dream.  Already reportedly intimate with her pro partner Sylvain, it was anticipated this would be partnership in the making.  Despite a huge mistake when she mistimed her roll-up move, it was a good start.

Selected comment: “You must have danced before because the way that you carry yourself is stunning.  I've fallen out of a lift before and it is so scary and I admire you so much for keeping your head up and carrying on with the routine.” (Emma Bunton)

Scores: Jason 4, Robin 4, Emma 4                                              TOTAL: 12/30 (3rd)

Comedy Dave & Frankie Poultney

Skated to: The Safety Dance

Branded the joker of the pack must be difficult but also appealing as the public will vote more often.  Regardless, Dave’s first performance was actually quite solid and not as disgraceful as first feared.  There is no doubt he may get plenty of support no matter whether he will become good or bad on the ice.

Selected comment: “You equipped yourself very well. It was genius of Christopher Dean to use all your bad assets and make them work for you.  I have to say, week one, a three jump and an assisted jump on your own, well done.” (Robin Cousins)

Scores: Jason 3, Robin 4, Emma 4                                              TOTAL: 11/30 (Joint 4th)

Elen Rivas & Lukasz Rozycki

Skated to: Your Love Is King

UNIMPRESSIVE: And Elen paid the price, with an early exit

Known as a model but better as the ex of Frank Lampard, Elen had a lot to prove to everyone that she was lot nicer than first thought.  Not so however, her VT showed her demanding better choreography to put into her routine and she got what she asked for, only to mess it up by just…well…not skating at all perfectly. .

Selected comment: “Where was the passion tonight?  There were fighting words, but they just didn't translate onto the ice.  Very constricted in the upper body and a very disassociated performance from your choreography.” (Jason Gardiner)

Scores: Jason 3, Robin 4, Emma 4                                              TOTAL: 11/30 (Joint 4th)

Dominic Cork & Alexandra Schumann

Skated to: Are You Ready For Love

Dominic earns the reputation of being the first cricketer to take part on this show and is no doubt hoping to emulate the successes of Darren Gough and Mark Ramprakash on Strictly Come Dancing.  However, it seems like victory is not up his street and this routine showed it.  However, if he doesn’t make constant mistakes and makes the odd improvement, he will go a good distance.

Selected comment: “You are the tallest skater we have here and the tendency would be to stoop over your partner, but you didn't, you made her come to you.” (Robin Cousins)

Scores: Jason 3, Robin 5, Emma 3                                              TOTAL: 11/30 (Joint 4th)

Chloe Madeley & Michael Zenezini

Skated to: Mama Do

The daughter of famous TV presenting duo Richard & Judy, Chloe is another star who has been linked to participating in the past but has only now got her chance.  Amidst fears she would flop, she didn’t.  In fact, she was the surprise of the night and if she keeps this up, she will be a surprise package in this show.

Selected comment: “I know that there is so much to think about, but technically you have got it now.  Just try and relax and enjoy the character a bit more.  I want to see the cheeky playful Chloe that we know and love.” (Emma Bunton)

Scores: Jason 4, Robin 6, Emma 6                                              TOTAL: 16/30 (2nd)

Sam Attwater & Brianne Delcourt

Skated to: Club Can’t Handle Me

FANTASTIC: Sam underlined his bookies favourite potential

Sam is a little-known EastEnders actor that has surely turned into a skating superstar.  Well, that is certainly the impression from this first performance.  So much energy, pace and moves were put into it and he has certainly left a mark on this competition.  Unless there is any serious reply from anyone else within these next couple of weeks, it’s Sam’s competition to lose.

Selected comment: “Fantastic skating, fantastic instant chemistry and some of the strongest skating we've seen in week one.  You were really being pushed.” (Robin Cousins)

Scores: Jason 6, Robin 7, Emma 8                                              TOTAL: 21/30 (1st)

Denise Welch & Matt Evers

Skated to: Pack Up

PROMISING: But Jason Gardiner really took a dislike to Denise

Those who are associated to Loose Women will indeed be backing Denise throughout.  In honest truth, her first performance was not brilliant but not bad either.  I think it’s fair to say that no matter how she copes, she will get the votes to go through.

Selected comment: “Surprisingly there were real moments of promise, combined with Matt skating with his mum!  I want you to lose the skating with mum quality that we saw.” (Jason Gardiner)

Scores: Jason 3, Robin 4, Emma 3                                              TOTAL: 10/30 (7th)

The Result

There were just six places left to fill in the Dancing on Ice 2011 line-up and again, the public alone was responsible in making the decision.  Comedy Dave, Dominic, Chloe, Sam and Denise snatched the first five on offer tonight whilst Jennifer secured the final slot in the skate-off against Craig and Elen.

This will no doubt give Jennifer a serious reality check, just like Laura last week.  However, I always have to be honest at this point and so I must admit, I actually thought she would be knocked out and that Craig would go though, because even if his skating wasn’t up to standard, I honestly thought his personality would shine though and win the public over.  Nevertheless, it’s still a good case that the strongest skater won through again.

So we now have our competition line-up and next week it all kicks off for real.  The judges will finally be able to have their say as their scores will go towards the overall result and will now have complete power again in the skate-off, which reverts back to a head-to-head battle.

Chloe Madeley, Comedy Dave, Denise Welch, Dominic Cork, Jeff Brazier, Jennifer Metcalfe, Johnson Beharry, Kerry Katona, Laura Hamilton, Sam Attwater, Steven Arnold and Vanilla Ice. One of them will win Dancing on Ice 2011, but who will prevail out on top.  It begins next Sunday at 6:10pm on ITV1 (HD).  As always, a report will be issued next week.

Dancing on Ice 2011 - The skating stars

BY JASON WRIGHT (Entertainment expert)

Five years ago, with ITV1 in much need of introducing an entertainment extravaganza for its winter weekends, they made a bold decision to launch a new reality show in which celebrities learned how to ice skate.  To the surprise of many, Dancing on Ice became a massive hit and since 2008, it has rejuvenated the broadcaster’s fortunes in the Sunday night ratings battle.

NEW LOOK: Can Dancing on Ice strengthen its appeal?

This Sunday is the launch of the sixth series and to keep the show fresh and appealing, this year will have massive changes.  Not only is there a new set, as production of the series moves from Elstree to Shepperton Studios in Kent, there will be a record sixteen celebrities participating, all new professional partners (just six from previous series remain), the introduction of double eliminations and a reworked judging system with just three judges scoring the performances; Jason Gardiner, Emma Bunton and Robin Cousins with Karen Barber becoming head coach, from now on answering any criticism given by the panel whilst Nicky Slater has been axed completely.

This blog introduces the 16 celebrities going for ice glory this year.  Bookmakers’ odds supplied by William Hill, as of 6 January.

Angela Rippon

Age: 66, Occupation: Former BBC newsreader, Professional Partner: Sean Rice

EXPERIENCE: Will it see Angela all the way?

Angela is no stranger to the show; she was a guest judge on one week of last year’s series.  She is best known for being a regular figure in the BBC newsroom throughout the eighties and early nineties.  Despite her age, she has dancing experience which will help to stem some criticism she may receive from the judges.  Angela will certainly be a popular figure with the public, no matter if she does good or bad.

Odds: 25-1

Chloe Madeley

Age: 23, Occupation: Celebrity Columnist and Reporter, Professional Partner: Michael Zenzini

Chloe will probably be a new face to a lot of people.  She is rarely in the spotlight but does constantly have her say on the celebrity news through writing columns and blogs on a selection of showbiz websites.  Chloe is of course well supported by parents, popular TV couple Richard & Judy, but will the public warm to her appearance?

Odds: 20-1

Craig McLachlan

Age: 45, Occupation: Ex-Neighbours actor, Professional Partner: Maria Filippov

As a young man, Craig was a huge figure in the 80’s as Henry Ramsay in Australian soap Neighbours, before moving to further drama roles in his native land.  Though time may have past, Craig is still well respected and is now aiming to take it to Britain.  It is certainly a big gamble but something that he is confident will pay off.

Odds: 33-1

David ‘Comedy Dave’ Vitty

Age: 36, Occupation: BBC Radio 1 regular, Professional Partner: Frankie Poultney

COMEDIAN: Will Dave live up to his reputation?

David has been associated to radio broadcasting all his life.  It wasn’t until 1997 when he got his big break in landing a slot on BBC Radio 1 as part of Chris Moyles’s programme and he followed him in every timeslot Moyles moved to, eventually ending up at breakfast time today, under the name of ‘Comedy Dave’.  It is no doubt he will be marked as the clown of the pack, bad but funny to watch.

Odds: 25-1

Denise Welch

Age: 52, Occupation: Actress and Loose Women panellist, Professional Partner: Matt Evers

BACKING: Denise's popularity might see her through?

Denise is a well known personality to many.  Over the years she has acted in a number of roles in television, most notably in Coronation Street and Waterloo Road.  In recent years, she is also regularly seen on ITV1’s lunchtime hit ‘Loose Women.’  Everyone that is associated with the show will certainly be backing Denise and there maybe every chance of the same effect to Coleen Nolan in the 2009 series happening to her.

Odds: 33-1

Dominic Cork

Age: 39, Occupation: Cricketer, Professional Partner: Alexandra Schumann

In his peak, Dominic was one of England’s formidable bowlers in the test cricket line-up.  He retired in 2002 following 37 test matches and 131 wickets but is still going strongly in country cricket with Lancashire and right now Hampshire.  Cricketers tend to do well in shows like this so the jury is well and truly out on him.

Odds: 33-1

Elen Rivas

Age: 35, Occupation: Glamour Model, Professional Partner: Lukasz Rozycki

Elen may be known as a glamour model, but is well known more for her intimate long-term relationship with Chelsea footballer Frank Lampard.  It is a tough ask for somebody like her to adjust to modelling sequins instead of dresses but if she can concentrate with the job in hand, she may be the surprise package.

Odds: 40-1 joint outsider

Jeff Brazier

Age: 31, Occupation: TV presenter and reporter, Professional Partner: Isabelle Gauthier

POPULAR: Jeff will be one to watch

After his initial hopes of being a professional footballer were cut short, Jeff turned to television to enhance his career.  People will know him best for his work on The X-Factor where he usually provides weekly reports for This Morning and presents the programme’s live nationwide tour.  Jeff is no doubt a popular figure and will certainly be one to watch on the ice.

Odds: 12-1

Jennifer Metcalfe

Age: 27, Occupation: Hollyoaks actress, Professional Partner: Sylvain Longchambon

HOT: Jennifer is likely to be popular with the guys

For the fourth series running, Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks is represented on the show, this time by Jennifer.  Well known for her portrayal of Mercedes Fisher on the soap, she remains a popular figure on the show despite Hollyoaks drop in ratings and popularity.  Aside from the rumours that she is already linked to dating her professional partner Sylvain, she may be a front runner in the competition and don’t forget she was on the shortlist for the 2009 series but just missed out on a place.

Odds: 13-2

Johnson Beharry

Age: 31, Occupation: Victoria Cross recipient, Professional Partner: Jodeyne Higgins

Many will ask the question, who is Johnson Beharry?  No one knows him because he ISN’T a celebrity!  In fact, Johnson is British Army soldier who was awarded a Victoria Cross back in 2005 for his services in Iraq.  A rather questionable choice but nevertheless, hopes are high for him as with anyone. This will certainly put him in the public spotlight.

Odds: 14-1

Kerry Katona

Age: 30, Occupation: Singer and Reality TV personality, Professional Partner: Dan Whiston

REDEMPTION: Can Kerry find it here?

When Kerry won I’m A Celebrity way back in 2004, it was meant to spark an up rise in fame.  Instead, it pretty much went downhill, with two divorces, alcoholism, bankruptcy and drug addiction.  It was only when she lost her advertising contract with Iceland in 2009 when she stood up and realised what she had done with her life.  Now to give fair credit, Kerry is turning it around well and an opportunity like this will give her chance to show everyone that she is back to her old self.

Odds: 10-1

Laura Hamilton

Age: 28, Occupation: Children’s TV Presenter, Professional Partner: Colin Ratushniak

Laura is also perhaps a new face to many people.  Since 2006, she has been a regular VT presenter for kids digital channel, Nickelodeon but from time to time, she has also guest hosted the ‘Toonattik’ cartoon strand on the now obsolete GMTV.  Laura is one of a few people to have some skating experience but whether this can be taken into advantage is another matter.

Odds: 3-1

Nadia Sawalha

Age: 46, Occupation: Actress and TV Presenter, Professional Partner: Mark Hanretty

Nadia is one of a few people to have experienced the lot in TV.  In the 1990’s, she was a regular face in EastEnders and has since gone on star in Casualty and The Bill before moving into TV presenting, including a range of BBC daytime programmes and was also a co-host of ‘The One Show’ in its four week trial run back in 2006.  Nadia doesn’t expect to do well; she just wants to enjoy the time.

Odds: 33-1

Sam Attwater

Age: 24, Occupation: Ex-EastEnders Actor, Professional Partner: Brianne Delcourt

Sam may be an actor, though hasn’t had many accomplished roles.  His only known appearances were a brief guest stint in EastEnders last year and its online spinoff, E20.  Second youngest in the line-up might play to a good chance of success and he has also got a musical school background.  He may certainly be someone to watch out for.

Odds: 2-1 favourite

Steven Arnold

Age: 36, Occupation: Ex-Coronation Street Actor, Professional Partner: Nina Ulanova

OUTSIDER: But Steven might shock people

The appearance of Steven will already put to everyone’s mind about his Corrie alter ego.  As popular butcher Ashley Peacock, Steven was a regular fixture to everyone’s lives until last month when he lost his life in the devastating tram crash.  Now he skates onto the show and whether he does good or bad, you can be sure plenty of people will support and vote for him.

Odds: 40-1 joint outsider

Vanilla Ice (a.k.a. Robert van Winkle)

Age: 43, Occupation: Musician, Professional Partner: Katie Stainsby

ICE: Will skating be up Vanilla's street?

A legendary American rapper, Ice is well associated to his 1990’s hit ‘Ice, Ice, Baby’ which stormed the charts across the world.  After several years of independent work, he returned to the public spotlight last year to produce to remake of his classic track for X-Factor twins Jedward.  His determination to succeed and performance levels on the rink may split the public’s view on him.

Odds: 16-1

There is once again an eclectic mix of famous faces. Some who will be going all out to win, others who just want to enjoy the experience and a few who will no doubt make a fool of themselves for votes.  Whatever, you can be sure this year’s line-up will looking to bring Dancing On Ice back into the spotlight with its many format changes this year that it really needs to keep it going.

The competition begins Sunday at 6:30pm, live on ITV1 and ITV1 HD.